April 9
Careers Beyond Academia and Research
Panel:
- Barb Mattson (GSFC)
- Emily Garhart (IHS)
- Hannah Krug (Holton-Arms School)
- Stephanie Williams (UMD PHYS)
Abstract: What can you actually do with an astronomy degree beyond academia and research? More than you might think. Join us for the second installment of our careers panel series, where three UMD astronomy alumni share how the skills they built studying the universe led them somewhere unexpected and deeply meaningful.
The panelists will share their journeys into science communication at NASA Goddard, nursing and Indigenous healthcare advocacy in Washington State, and secondary school teaching and mentorship at an all-girls school in Bethesda.
Whether you're early in your undergraduate journey or finishing a postdoc, come hear how problem-solving and scientific thinking can translate to jobs far beyond the research track. The panelists will share their experiences, reflect on their paths, and take questions from the audience.
Speaker Bios:
Barbara Mattson earned her PhD in Astronomy from the University of Maryland, where she focused on X-ray spectroscopy of active galactic nuclei with Chris Reynolds. She went on to build a career in science communication at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, where she leads a team of writers and media specialists in translating cutting-edge astrophysics for the public. She has also worked on developing astronomy educational materials for classrooms.
Emily Garhart received her B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Maryland in 2017, where she studied the atmospheres of hot Jupiters using data from the Spitzer Space Telescope. She began a PhD at Arizona State University as an NSF Fellow before choosing to pursue a more directly impactful, people-centered career in healthcare. As a nurse she has worked with Planned Parenthood advocating for reproductive and gender-affirming care, as well as working in medically underserved areas on the Northern Cheyenne and Yakama reservations with the Indian Health Service. Starting this fall, she will be entering medical school locally in Yakima, Washington to continue serving this region.
Hannah Krug earned her PhD in Astronomy from the University of Maryland in 2013, studying neutral gas outflows in local active galactic nuclei with Dr. Sylvain Veilleux. During her doctorate, she discovered a passion for breaking down complex topics to lay audiences, and she was also frustrated with how many women were leaving STEM before ever reaching college. Convinced she could have the greatest impact by inspiring young women early, she pursued a career in secondary education. She is now an Upper School Mathematics & Physics Teacher and Science Research Coordinator at Holton-Arms School, an all-girls independent school in Bethesda, MD, where she does exactly that.
Stephanie Williams received her B.S. in Astronomy and Physics from the University of Maryland in 2019, where she was an active leader in the UMD Society of Physics Students (SPS). After graduating, she channeled her passion into education work, developing and teaching a free astronomy and physics program for middle school students at the Carnegie Academy of Science Education in D.C. She has since returned to UMD as a Physics Academic Advisor, where she helps undergraduate students navigate their coursework, explore their options, and find their own paths forward in physics.
PSC 1136 & Zoom link
BANG! Organizers:
Matt Lastovka (he/him)
Jacob Vider (he/him)